Economic Development eNews | April 1, 2025 | | Pangea House Serves Up a World of Difference | | Photos: main, Geoff Dennis and Jody Lundrigan invite you into Pangea House; above from top, delicious fusion cuisine exclusive to inn guests; beautifully appointed rooms like the South America beckon; a retreat's yoga activity; the stunning yellow hue invites you in for a warm and welcoming stay. | | |
GANANOQUE - Pangea House, an elegantly restored waterfront manor on the banks of the Gananoque River awaits your stay. "Once we saw it, we couldn't get the potential of this property off our minds," owner Jody Lundrigan admitted.
Nestled in the heart of Gananoque, the boutique heritage inn offers stunning views of the river, Confederation Park and gardens, and is ranked among the top five stays in the area. Online reviews show it is an exceptional stay; TripAdvisor gives a 4.5/5, Expedia is 9.6, and five-stars on Google.
Blending charm with comfort, Pangea House offers unique accommodations. There are five rooms to choose from decorated in a continent's theme. Guests can enjoy the warmth of the inn's grand fireplace or unwind by the outdoor firepit while taking in the beauty of the 1000 Islands. Whether visiting for romance, a celebration or a retreat, it provides an unforgettable experience.
Guests delight in hand-curated fusion dining to inspire discerning foodies. Chef Geoff brings over 20 years of experience, taking pride in preparing the deliciously unique breakfast that's 'not your typical bacon and eggs'.
As avid travelers, Jody and Geoff take time out to explore worldly destinations. Their recent trip to Thailand added flavours to the globally influenced menu, which features delights such as Turkish eggs, duck confit, broccoli and cheddar frittata, shakshuka, fresh strawberry rum bread pudding, and sticky toffee pudding. Geoff confessed, “We live and breathe travel.”
Pins mark a world map in the foyer with the hosts' travel destinations and places their guests have journeyed from. “It’s an honour to welcome and offer them breakfast inspired by travel,” said Geoff.
Pangea House is just two blocks from the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and close to the Gananoque Hiking Trail; it's a two minute walk to downtown, the St. Lawrence River is ten. Guests can explore outdoor activities, heritage sites, coffee shops, boutiques, live theatre and the casino. Retreats are welcomed if you are looking to host or participate.
In 2023, Jody received the Leeds Grenville Entrepreneur of the Year award. “I was so grateful for the support from Leeds Grenville Economic Development - Small Business,” Jody shared. Over the past five years, Jody and Geoff have refined their operations, learning the value of strong relationships with tradespeople and peers. Strategic planning remains key to their success. “You need a big-picture understanding of your small business,” Geoff advises. “It’s going to be tough at first, but don’t give up. If you don’t see success immediately, stick with it."
At Pangea House visitors arrive as guests and leave as friends. “This business has restored my faith in humanity,” Jody says. In a world of uncertainty, it's an authentic and comforting escape.
| | Photo: from left to right - Ann Weir - Leeds Grenville Economic Development Manager, Sherri Fournier Hudson - Health Workforce Innovations, Mayor Matt Wren – City of Brockville, MPP Steve Clark - Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke -United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, Meaghan Edwards – Program Advisory for Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, Mayor Nancy Peckford – North Grenville, George Smitherman – Health Workforce Innovations | | |
BROCKVILLE – Leeds Grenville Economic Development hosted over 65 attendees, inclusive of employers, business support agencies and new immigrants for a workshop that featured the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program at the Brockville Country Club on Tuesday, March 18.
Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes and Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Warden for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville brought greetings to the morning's healthcare session with representatives from various Family Health Organizations, Hospitals, along with Retirement and Long-term care facilities.
MPP Clark, shared the REDI journey and the importance of taking advantage of this program. “We have a tremendous opportunity in our region to use the pilot program this year to bring in new physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, PSWs, technicians, and other healthcare providers,” said Clark, adding “Let’s make sure we capitalize on it.”
Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke thanked Mr. Clark for advocating that Leeds Grenville be included in the program. "Talent Attraction and Workforce Development is a key strategic area of focus for the Counties; REDI is a pathway to permanent residency for up to 200 skilled foreign workers who have a job offer," she said, adding "the need for family physicians and other healthcare
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professionals is significant and Counties Council didn’t hesitate in being part of the REDI pilot program.”
Sherri Fournier Hudson and George Smitherman from Health Workforce Innovations were introduced by Counties Warden. The Counties along with Brockville, Prescott and Gananoque have invested more than $168,000 in 2025 towards their services of securing Health Human Resources.
Three sessions were held, each addressing multiple industry sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing and construction with an open session for any business and interested applicants. The goal of each session was to help attendees better understand the REDI program process and its purpose to assist employers with making informed decisions regarding talent attraction and retention.
Employers who are struggling to find a skilled workforce to meet business goals can consider innovative strategies under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Leeds Grenville employers could utilize OINP and the Regional Economic Development through Immigration pilot program to address these shortfalls.
For more information on the REDI program visit www.investleedsgrenville.com/redi or email econdev@uglc.on.ca
| | Economic Development Summit | | |
Video Recording Available Online
The sold out 16th annual Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit from November 22nd is now available to view online.
Sessions online include:
- Growth from Within the Maitland Chemistry Park
- VOLTARI - Leading a Revolution
- Keynote: Hon. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification - Ontario's Affordable Energy Future: The Pressing Case for More Power
- Largest Battery Energy Storage in Canada
- Bill Thake Memorial Economic Development Leadership Award
- Keynote: Pierre Cléroux, BDC Economic Outlook - Canada in the Midst of a Soft Landing
- Leeds Grenville / 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways
Visit our 2024 Summit webpage, or YouTube Channel.
Remember to save the date for our next event on Friday, November 21, 2025.
| | CABN serves Commercial Clients | |
Newly launched, CABN Commercial is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance buildings at scale for hospitality, workforce housing, or community projects. They
provide turnkey solutions that are fast to deploy, energy-efficient, and built to last. CABN is changing the way sustainable developments are built by delivering innovative housing, meeting the needs of businesses, municipalities, and developers. VIDEO
| | | The Flower Shop Celebrates 70th | The Flower Shop was celebrated for marking its platinum anniversary at the North Grenville Chamber of Commerce annual recognition event. Congratulations were given by Mayor Nancy Peckford and MP Michael Barrett. "The success is a testament to strong business continuity and the legacy of stewardship," owner Gen Labelle said as she shared about her commitment to grow using innovation and strategic planning. Cultivating genuine relationships, offering value-added services and supporting community are keys to its longevity. | |
| Weagant Customer Appreciation | Join Weagant Farm Supplies for an Open House and Customer Appreciation Day at their 5077 County Road 29 location on Saturday, April 5th from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Featuring one-day deals, promos, product demos, and supplier meet-and-greets, enjoy food and refreshments while connecting with staff. As a local, family-owned business, they look forward to seeing you there! | | | Starter Company Plus Grads Celebrate | | Photo, back row left to right: Leeds Grenville Small Business Development Officer Carol Hardy, Brockville Mayor Matt Wren; David Goodknecht - DG Landscaping; Sean Crozier - Unique Auto Accents; Robert Salm - Setanta Solutions Inc.; Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes; Elizabethtown-Kitley Mayor Brant Burrow. Front row left to right: Heather McLean - The Crafty Potter; Chantal Valkenborg - CC Weddings and Events, Paige Morgan - Esthetics by Paige. Absent: Jeff Robinson - Robinson Psychotherapy. | | |
BROCKVILLE – The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville is helping seven small business build resiliencies through the Starter Company Plus program. Graduates have completed essential training in business fundamentals such as developing a business plan and understanding the importance of cash flow best practices. As part of the program, they also received up to $5,000 to support their business needs. In addition to financial support, the four-month program offered personalized guidance from advisors and collaborative sessions with community mentors.
Participants along with dignitaries and a network of supporters gathered on March 27th to celebrate their hard work in the Starter Company Plus program. This event was an opportunity to connect graduates with their mentors and coaches from the program as well as each other, as the businesses are now better prepared to face the challenges ahead.
This cohort consists of businesses from health services, trades, technology, the arts and event services and are located across the region, including Brockville, Elizabethtown-Kitley, Leeds and the Thousand Islands, and North Grenville. This program is funded by the Province of Ontario, with additional support from the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and the City of Brockville.
Successful participants are:
Sean Crozier, Unique Auto Accents – Brockville
Jeff Robinson, Robinson Psychotherapy – Elizabethtown-Kitley
Chantal Valkenborg, CC Weddings and Events – Leeds and the Thousand Islands
Robert Salm, Setanta Solutions Inc. – North Grenville
David Goodknecht, DG Landscaping – Brockville
Paige Morgan, Esthetics by Paige – Brockville
Heather McLean, The Crafty Potter – Brockville
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Free Info Session for Next Starter Company Plus Program
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How to apply:
To receive a Starter Company Plus application you must first attend an entire information session. Here, you will learn the full eligibility criteria, and any other requirements so you can determine whether the program is right for you and your business at this time. At the end of the information session, you will be able to request the application.
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The next cohort of Starter Company Plus starts soon. It's a highly coveted and exclusive program designed to address critical areas and empower small business owners. It is free to participants and offers a comprehensive package of resources to help you successfully run your small business.
Receive step-by-step guidance in Financial Management, Strategic Planning, Market Research and more. Through interactive workshops, coaching and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, you'll gain invaluable insights and build the skills necessary to propel your business forward.
Eligibility:
- Be over 18 years of age, Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Leeds Grenville.
- Have started a new company in the last 5 years, are expanding an existing company (may be over 5 years old) or buying a business.
- Work full time in the business: 30+ hours/week or part time with a proven plan to be full time in the business in next 6 months.
- Be working with clients and/or generating an income.
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If you are between the ages of 15 - 29, imagine doing something you love and getting paid for it. Learn to start your own business and be your own BOSS while earning extra money.
Leeds Grenville Small Business is here to help you make it happen. Take part in this exciting young entrepreneur program and experience an unforgettable summer!
The Summer Company program provides training, mentorship, and guidance to get your business started. As an added bonus, there's grant money available to help get your business going. The next round begins soon!
| | Eastern Ontario Development Fund: Applications Now Open | | |
The Eastern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to existing businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in eastern Ontario. The objective of the program is to provide financial support and services to help growing companies make investments to:
- grow their business
- improve productivity
- invest in innovation and skills development
- pursue new markets
- generate broad positive regional economic impact
- create new good, sustainable jobs
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A project is a distinct undertaking, separate from ongoing operations, that will result in benefits to the organization such as business growth or access to new markets. Available supports include funding support and complementary services and support
Learn more about eligibility, and get the eligibility checklist on the EODF website. For assistance contact Senior Business Advisor Denis Lapierre at least two weeks prior to deadline at 613-415-8384 or by email.
Application deadline: May 21, 2025
| | CanExport SME Program Now Accepting Applications | | |
Eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can get up to $50,000 to cover 50% of the costs of exporting products or services to countries where they have little or no sales. CanExport funding can help your company expand beyond Canada, unlocking global markets and opportunities to grow your business worldwide. For projects starting after April 1, 2025. CanExport SMEs covers up to 50% of eligible expenses, including:
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in‑person participation in trade missions, trade shows, meetings, or conferences
- gathering market intelligence (custom research, reports and studies)
- applying for intellectual property protection in international markets and more!
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To qualify for this funding, your company must satisfy the following criteria:
- be for‑profit
- be an incorporated legal entity, limited liability partnership (LLP) or cooperative in Canada
- have an active Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number
- have between 1 and 500 full‑time equivalent (FTE) employees
- have between $100,000 and $100 million in annual revenue declared in Canada during its last complete tax reporting year (or during the last 12 months for monthly and quarterly filers)
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Greater focus on export diversification
To encourage applications focused on a wider range of global markets, applicants may target either the United States or international markets, but not both. These changes may impact your eligibility and options. Don't wait, submit your CanExport SMEs application today. Review the CanExport SMEs Applicant’s Guide to ensure you meet the criteria.
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Application deadline: May 31, 5:00 pm | | | New! Leeds Grenville Wholesale Food Tradeshow | | |
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Join us for the Leeds Grenville B2B Wholesale Food & Beverage Tradeshow, where local producers and growers connect directly with buyers, retailers, and restaurants. This is your chance to source fresh, high-quality local products, expand your business network, and strengthen our regional supply chain.
With growing demand for sustainable, locally sourced goods, and increasing economic uncertainty, building strong local partnerships has never been more important. Whether you're looking to showcase your food and beverage products, discover new suppliers, or explore local sourcing solutions, this event provides a valuable platform for business growth.
Who Should Attend?
This tradeshow is designed for Leeds Grenville businesses that want to source, sell, or showcase local food and beverage products.
- Food & Beverage Producers – Farms, artisan food makers, beverage companies, specialty food brands
- Retailers – Grocery stores, specialty food shops, and other retailers
- Restaurants & Cafés – Independent restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, caterers
- Hospitality & Institutional Buyers – Hotels, schools, hospitals, and other food service organizations
| | Discover new business opportunities, strengthen local connections, and be part of the movement to support local. Don’t miss out, register today as a buyer or seller! For more information, contact Shelbi McFarlane at Shelbi.mcfarlane@uclg.on.ca or call 613-342-3840 x5361. | | | | |
Opportunity to own a prime retail location on Seeley's Bay Main Street. This staple of the community is a large retail space with an office, break room, two washrooms and plenty of room for storage and supplies.
New heating and air conditioning systems 2024. There is a drive-in workspace to the back of the building for small engine repairs or deliveries. The inventory is NOT included in the sale of this property. On just over one acre of land, you have the opportunity to further develop the property.
View Map for 139 Main Street, Seeley's Bay.
| | Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | | Understanding Financial Statements | |
If you’ve ever wondered where your cash is going, how to read a P&L statement, or why a balance sheet even matters, this session is for you!
Learn how to interpret key financial reports, ask the right questions, and get a clearer picture of your business’s financial health.
When: April 28, 3 p.m.
Presenter: Gisella Theodore, CPA
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| | The Importance of Paid Digital Ads | |
Learn why you should consider paid advertising for your business and how you can easily get started. Learn about Google ads, Facebook ads, Facebook pixel, Instagram ads, Targeting audiences, which ads to run for your business, and key terminology in ad platforms. Register in advance.
When: April 29, 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| | United Counties of Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office | | |
Leeds Grenville eNews deadlines for submitting information:
If you have an upcoming workshop, seminar, or business-related event, please email it to us in advance.
- Submissions for the April 15th, 2025 edition should be received by April 7th.
- Submissions for the April 29th, 2025 edition should be received by April 22nd.
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SPECIAL MESSAGE:
The Leeds Grenville Economic Development business directory is in the public web domain. The Economic Development Office does not share or sell the directory to any resellers. Please be aware any email messages suggesting acquisition of the directory is not from the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Office.
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